North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Whales & more

This expedition takes you through the stunning landscapes of northern Spitsbergen, offering unforgettable encounters with Arctic wildlife. You will witness majestic polar bears in their natural habitat, observe whales, and enjoy the dramatic fjords and glaciers. This journey provides a unique opportunity to experience the pristine nature and diverse fauna of the Arctic up close.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Whales & more: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen
Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, you have the opportunity to explore the charming town. Stroll through the former mining settlement and visit the Svalbard Church as well as the Svalbard Museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture. Despite the stark landscape, more than one hundred plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sets sail from Isfjorden, and you may catch your first glimpse of a minke whale on this journey.

Day 2–9: Pack Ice Exploration and Wildlife Watching
Over the next several days, the expedition ventures deep into the pack ice and along the remote coasts of northern Spitsbergen. Landings and routes depend on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings and are determined by the expedition leader. Potential destinations include Raudfjord, where majestic glaciers, ringed and bearded seals, and seabird colonies such as thick-billed murres can be observed, with landing attempts at Alicehamna or Buchananhalvøya.

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The small island of Ytre Norskøya, once used as a lookout by Dutch whalers, offers the chance to see 17th-century blubber ovens, watch puffins at their breeding sites, and possibly encounter a small colony of common murres. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the ship may proceed to the Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord, where the impressive five-kilometer glacier front serves as a feeding ground for thousands of common murres, and polar bears often hunt along the ice edge. The expedition then moves into open pack ice, where several days are spent observing polar bears, Greenland whales, bearded seals, walruses, and migratory seabirds. On previous trips, up to a hundred Greenland whales have been seen in this area, along with occasional fin whales and northward-migrating whales. During the pack ice navigation, no landings take place; the focus is entirely on wildlife observation in its natural habitat. On the return westward, polar bears, ringed seals, and Greenland whales continue to be observed. In the Kongsfjorden area, minke whales may be seen, and along the continental shelf, fin whales are often feeding. Other potential wildlife observation areas include Forlandsundet, where walruses haul out, and Alkhornet, home to polar foxes and reindeer, as well as Ymerbukta with gatherings of various eider species.

Day 10: Return to Longyearbyen
Even the greatest adventures must come to an end. In the early morning, the ship returns to Longyearbyen. After breakfast, a transfer is provided to the airport, allowing you to depart with lasting memories and experiences from this incredible Arctic expedition.

Included North Spitsbergen Explorer

- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as outlined in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage including snacks, coffee, and tea
- All shore excursions and activities via Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and ship for select flights to and from Longyearbyen
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- AECO fees and governmental taxes
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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